Elect Bob Rae in Toronto Centre!

Canada has lost a giant. Oscar Peterson was one of the world's truly great jazz artists. Composer, pianist par excellence, Oscar Peterson began playing in the Montreal of the 1940's, and went on to become a powerful presence on the world stage for over half a century.

He was also a great humanitarian, a gentle and warm human being, and a truly wonderful friend. He has been honoured in every capital and country, and became Chancellor of York University. He was a Companion of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Ontario.

Oscar's musical genius transformed the art of the jazz piano. His dexterity, speed of play and driving left hand made him a phenomenon at an early age. He broke tradition by insisting on playing to mixed audiences in the American South in the 1950's. His song "Ode to Freedom" became a mainstay of the civil rights movement. Felled by a stroke in his 70's, he made a remarkable recovery, doing some of his greatest composing and melodic playing with his right hand. There was a haunting wistfulness to his last compositions that reflected the depth of his musicality and humanity. He overcame adversity and remained a joyful companion right to the end. Arlene and I were lucky enough to spend an afternoon with him and his wife Kelly just a couple of weeks ago.

We mourn his loss and celebrate how he shared his magnificent gift and talents with the world. To Kelly Peterson, his daughter Celine and his entire family we send our deepest love and condolences.